Use this simple and natural homemade chicken coop cleaner to have the freshest coop on the block.
Why your chicken's coop needs cleaning
Chicken coops can get really messy and need a regular cleaning. But using commercial cleaners like bleach can wreak havoc in your chicken coop.
Chickens have very fragile respiratory systems and these commercial cleaners can cause irritation and great harm to them. There is also another huge reason why you should not be using bleach.
Chicken droppings have a very high concentration of ammonia. Yeah! bleach and ammonia DO NOT MIX. When bleach and ammonia come in contact, a gas that is lethal to both chickens and humans is created.
Let's not have any of that. Use this easy and natural homemade chicken coop cleaner that is much safer for both you and your chickens.
Why can't I just use household cleaners
Cleaners that are normally used in your house are going to contain harmful chemicals, even if they do not contain bleach, that can harm your chickens. These chemicals can effect the respiratory system of chickens and harm their mucous membranes. This homemade cleaner does not do any of those things when used properly.
Homemade chicken coop cleaner ingedients
You probably already have all of these ingredients on hand. Here is what you will need:
1 quart sized mason jar with screw on lid
1 spray bottle (I like to use reusable glass ones you can buy the same ones I use here)
2 to 3 cups white vinegar| Acts as the main cleaning agent. Kills harmful bacteria and pathogens. Also extracts the scents of herbs and spices added to the cleaner.
1 orange peel*| Adds a great scent to this cleaner and also acts as a antibacterial agent.
3 sprigs of pine needles*| They smell absolutely wonderful. Also may add antibacterial properties.
That's it! (*Customizable: You can use any combinations of herbs or fruits to make your very own scents.)
Instructions
Take your mason jar, orange, and pine sprigs. Peel the orange and place peel into jar. Cut up the pine sprigs to fit into jar.
Cover with 2-3 cups of white vinegar. Fill remaining space with tap water, but make sure to leave one inch of "headroom" in jar.
Screw your lid on and shake jar. Place the jar in a dark and cool area (I use my pantry). Shake every 3 or 4 days. This helps to draw out the scents of the orange peel and pine needles.
After three weeks on the shelf your solution should turn an orangish color and should smell fragrant. The strong vinegar smell should also dissipate. Gather a spray bottle and strainer. Strain out all pieces and fill spray bottle. Dilute solution with water if desired.
Scent variations
In this post I used my orange and pine scent solution, but you can make almost any combination of your favorite herbs. Here are a few combinations that I like.
Basil and lemon, oregano and lavender, orange and cloves, and cinnamon and pine needle. The vinegar extracts the scents, so simply add any spice, herb, or fruit and extract their scents.
How to use your coop cleaner
I dilute my cleaner with some tap water before using. Then I will spray liberally onto roosting bars, nest boxes, and walls. Wipe them down with a paper towel and voila you have a clean coop without harsh chemicals.
This coop spray will leave your coop smelling fresh and clean. The vinegar and herbs also help to fight bacteria and pathogens.
Can I use ACV instead of white vinegar
Technically it will do the same thing, but I would not recommend using this. Although apple cider vinegar is great for your chickens gut health it is not the best option for this cleaner.
ACV has a more rancid type scent than white vinegar which does not make it a good cleaner. I like using the white vinegar for this recipe.
Precautions
Even though this is a natural cleaner you should take caution when using this. The vinegar can slightly irritate you and your chicken's lungs.
I still let my chickens out so they do not inhale the vinegar when I clean. You should also make sure that you do not inhale any cleaner as well.
One last thing, do not use this when windy. If the vinegar comes in contact with any plants they will die. Vinegar is a very effect natural weed killer.
FREE recipe
Find your free chicken coop cleaner recipe printable Here.
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I hope you will make your own cleaner and come up with your own fragrant combination. Please comment below on your favorite herbs that you add to your cleaner.
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